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Updated: May 16, 2025
Preparation and Gene Modification of Nonhuman Primate Hematopoietic Stem and Progenitor Cells
Published on: February 15, 2019
Nonhuman primates as valuable models for mpox drug and vaccine discovery
Mahmoud E Rashwan1, Mohamed A S Amer2, Wael M Elshemey3
1Physics Department, Faculty of Science, Sohag University, Sohag, Egypt.
Introduction:
In recent months, monkeypox (mpox) virus (MPXV) infections has grown to be a major worldwide concern. Cynomolgus monkeys, rhesus macaques, marmosets, and baboons are the nonhuman primate (NHP) models that provide the much needed means for developing new therapies against MPXV due to their genetic proximity to humans.
Area Covered:
In this review, the authors discuss epidemiology, transmission, clinical presentation, and the use of NHP in studying the treatment of MPXV over the past two decades on Google Scholar. NHP models have been widely used to evaluate the efficacy of antiviral drugs and antibodies, providing important information regarding immune responses and disease. NHPs continue to be an important mainstay in preclinical testing, enabling the optimization of the efficacy and safety of drugs, antibodies, and vaccines to accelerate the development of effective MPXV treatments for humans.
Expert Opinion:
The intravenous forms of medications like cidofovir, brincidofovir, and Vaccinia Immune Globulin (VIG) constitute the basis of MPXV therapy. Additionally, antibodies such as HAI, PN, and CF assess the efficacy of smallpox vaccination against MPXV in primates. This would help both the development of diagnostic tools and the optimization of vaccine strategies. Moreover, the similarities between MPXV and vaccinia or variola can play a role in developing targeted antiviral treatment methods.
Insights
Nonhuman primate models are crucial for developing monkeypox virus (mpox) treatments. These models aid in evaluating antiviral drugs, antibodies, and vaccines, accelerating the creation of effective therapies for human mpox infections.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
- Primate Models
Background:
- Monkeypox virus (mpox) is a global health concern.
- Nonhuman primates (NHPs) are genetically similar to humans, making them valuable models for studying MPXV.
- NHPs have been instrumental in understanding MPXV pathogenesis and evaluating potential treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the epidemiology, transmission, and clinical presentation of MPXV.
- To highlight the role of NHPs in preclinical studies for MPXV therapeutics over the past two decades.
- To discuss current and potential treatment strategies for MPXV.
Main Methods:
- Review of scientific literature on Google Scholar focusing on MPXV and NHP models.
- Analysis of studies evaluating antiviral drugs, antibodies, and vaccines in NHPs.
- Examination of therapeutic approaches based on MPXV's relationship with vaccinia and variola viruses.
Main Results:
- NHP models are essential for assessing the efficacy and safety of antiviral drugs (e.g., cidofovir, brincidofovir) and immune therapies (e.g., VIG, antibodies).
- Studies in NHPs inform the development of diagnostic tools and optimize vaccine strategies against MPXV.
- Understanding cross-protection from smallpox vaccination and related viruses aids in targeted antiviral development.
Conclusions:
- NHP models are indispensable for advancing MPXV research and drug development.
- Continued use of NHPs will accelerate the optimization of MPXV treatments, including antivirals and vaccines.
- Leveraging knowledge from related orthopoxviruses is key to developing effective MPXV therapies.
